Nasdaq and Kraken plan a blockchain platform for tokenized stocks, enabling 24/7 trading of equities like Apple and Tesla, pending SEC approval.
Nasdaq announced a partnership with crypto exchange Kraken to develop tokenized stock trading. The new system has an aim to trade blockchain versions of the listed equities 24/7. However, the start of this launch is dependent on the approval of the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The companies have expected the platform to be operational in early 2027.
Nasdaq and Kraken Push Tokenized Equities Trading Plan
Nasdaq confirmed that it will be collaborating with Kraken and issuing companies. The goal includes the development of a framework of tokenized shares and exchange traded products. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the companies announced the partnership on March 9, 2026.
According to WSJ, Nasdaq is partnering with crypto exchange Kraken to develop a framework for tokenized stock trading, enabling 24/7 trading of blockchain-based versions of listed equities, with the initiative expected to launch around early 2027 pending SEC approval.…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) March 9, 2026
Meanwhile, the initiative is planning to build what both firms call an equities transformation gateway. The system has the purpose of connecting the regulated markets with decentralized blockchain networks. As a result, investors can trade tokenized stocks of U.S. equities (even when stock markets are closed).
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Furthermore, the proposal is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for approval. Nasdaq made its formal application to the regulator in September 2025. The filing sought permission for tokenized stocks and exchange traded funds to trade with traditional securities.
Additionally, Nasdaq said that the tokenization framework would focus on corporate governance. The company plans to make complex processes easy by automating them through the blockchain. For instance, the payment of dividends and shareholder proxy voting might become faster and more transparent.
Moreover, Nasdaq said the framework will ensure that token holders will receive similar rights as traditional shareholders. These rights can involve voting rights and dividend rights. Therefore, the tokenized assets might closely resemble traditional structures of stock ownership.
Platform Targets 2027 Launch With Major U.S. Stocks
The companies anticipate that the platform will see the light of the day in the first half of 2027. The timeline is subject to change based upon regulatory decisions. However, both of these firms believe that blockchain technology could potentially reshape the way investors can access the public markets.
Kraken intends to add its existing xStocks infrastructure to the project. The platform already offers continuous trading of tokenized assets across over 110 countries, outside of the US. Therefore, this technology could be expanded by the partnership into regulated equity markets.
Initially, large US stocks with good trading volumes may be present in the platform. These companies are Nvidia, Apple and Tesla. In addition, the system may support tokenized versions of indices such as S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100.
Furthermore, the gateway to aim to support interoperability between different financial systems. Tokenized equities might be exchanged between regulated institutional markets and decentralized finance networks. As a result of this, investors were able to reach out to traditional exchanges and blockchain platforms.
Nasdaq also believes blockchain technology can be used to enhance operational efficiency in capital markets. Automated systems may lessen the amount of manual processes in corporate actions. As a result, tasks such as distribution of dividends and voting by shareholders could be made quicker and more transparent.
Overall, the partnership is indicative of a growing interest in tokenized financial assets. Traditional exchanges and crypto platforms are still looking into integrating blockchain. If the regulators approve this proposal, tokenized stocks could bring round-the-clock trading without compromising the rights of corporate governance for investors.
